15 Jun Sierra de Tramuntana
Sierra de Tramuntana ▸ walking between mountain and sea
GR221▸ traversing the Sierra de Tramuntana
There are places that cannot be explained, they can be felt. The Sierra de Tramuntana, in the northwest of Mallorca, is one of them. If you have ever dreamed of walking along the GR221 between cliffs that plunge into the sea, crossing centuries-old forests and getting lost in villages that have been frozen in time, get ready. This corner of the island offers you more than just trails: it invites you to a transformative experience.
The GR221, known as the Ruta de Pedra en Sec (Dry Stone Route), runs nearly 90 kilometres through the Sierra de Tramuntana Mallorca, connecting charming mountain villages between Calvià and Pollença. This long-distance hiking route offers an immersive experience that fuses the wild beauty of the Mallorcan landscape with the cultural richness of the island. The GR221 is a diverse yet accessible route, ideal for lovers of hiking, photography and nature in its purest form.
Walking along the GR221 of the Sierra de Tramuntana in Mallorca for hours, with the Mediterranean Sea at your feet, the sun caressing the slopes and the scent of pines and evergreen holm oaks filling the air, is an experience that connects all the senses. The sound of your footsteps mingles with birdsong and the murmur of the wind among the rocks. This is what it feels like to walk the GR221 trails in the Sierra de Tramuntana in Mallorca, one of the most spectacular mountain landscapes in Europe.
A breathtaking landscape
Hiking the GR221 in the Sierra de Tramuntana Mallorca is to immerse yourself in a scenery that seems to have been painted by nature itself. Here, vertiginous cliffs, lush holm oak and Mediterranean pine forests, and craggy peaks of over 1,000 metres combine with hidden pebble coves, secret beaches and natural monuments such as the imposing Torrent de Pareis or the mysterious Fonts Ufanes.
Every step you take along the GR221 connects you with a story that began centuries ago. Walking through the Sierra de Tramuntana Mallorca following this long-distance route is not just a matter of sport or tourism: it is a way of understanding how humans and nature can coexist in perfect balance.
But the Sierra de Tramuntana Mallorca is not just a feast for the eyes. Here you walk with all your senses awake. In spring, its fields are filled with wild flowers that perfume the air with unique fragrances. The song of birds, such as eagle owls and peregrine falcons, accompanies every step along the GR221.
The terrain can be demanding in some sections, with steep slopes and cobbled paths, but it is perfectly accessible for those who are used to walking. And we at Natour Travel, used to organising every detail, with years of experience, take care of everything so that you just enjoy the magic of the Serra de Tramuntana Mallorca and its emblematic GR221 without stress.
Routes that take you back in time
One of the great gems for hiking in Sierra de Tramuntana Mallorca is the GR221, also known as the Ruta de la Pedra en Sec, which connects Calvià with Pollença for some 90 km, passing through villages that look like something out of a painting: Valldemossa, Deià, Sóller or Lluc.
The walk is dotted with traditional Mallorcan elements: cobbled paths, snow houses, old water channels, gravity-defying cultivation terraces and lime kilns forgotten in the undergrowth. All this without losing sight of the sea, always present on the horizon, like a silent companion on the journey.
Walking the GR221 in the Sierra de Tramuntana Mallorca is also an act of respect for nature and history. This route is designed for sustainable hiking, with clear signage that protects the environment and a route that is part of the European network of trails, offering an authentic experience in harmony with the landscape. Here, tourism does not invade, but accompanies: you walk slowly, contemplate the surroundings and listen to the whisper of the wind among the pines.
If you are looking for a profound and different way of discovering Mallorca, away from the crowds, the Sierra de Tramuntana offers you a unique opportunity. Whether walking alone, as a couple or in a group, walking the GR221 and these trails is a gift of time, connection and silence in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Mediterranean.
For more information about self-guided programmes in the Sierra de Tramuntana Mallorca and personalised GR221 packages, you can visit Natour Travel and discover all the options available to live this adventure.
Stages of the Serra de Tramuntana Mallorca
The GR221 route in the Serra de Tramuntana Mallorca is divided into several well-marked stages that allow you to discover the best of this unique landscape.
Some recommended stretches:
- Valldemossa a Deià: This stage offers breathtaking coastal views, charming traditional villages and quiet trails through Mediterranean forests. It is a perfect combination of nature and culture, very popular with hikers.
- Deià a Sóller: A classic route combining dramatic landscapes, lush forests and picturesque villages. The mixture of mountain and sea makes it an unmissable stage.
- Sóller a Cúber: This section takes you inland into the mountains, with the Cúber reservoir as a highlight, surrounded by unspoilt nature. Ideal for those seeking tranquillity and a deep connection with the wildest side of Mallorca.
- Cúber a Lluc: More demanding but very rewarding, this stage reaches Lluc, the spiritual and cultural heart of the Serra de Tramuntana. Surrounded by towering peaks, it offers an experience of total immersion in nature and a great sense of achievement.
You can find full details of the stages on the Mallorca tourism website or on the Natour Travel website, where you can also find out which sections to choose according to your profile.
How to make the most of the Sierra de Tramuntana route
You can programme your route according to your interests and physical preparation, but you should do one stage per day, with a maximum of 25 km. The stages are designed to be completed in one day each.
The best time to hike the Sierra de Tramuntana is spring and autumn, when temperatures are mild and the landscape is filled with vibrant colours that make each stage even more spectacular. To fully enjoy the route, it is essential to carry good equipment: comfortable, sturdy boots, light but adequate clothing to protect you from the sun, plus a generous amount of water to keep you hydrated.
And, after a day’s walk, there is nothing better than savouring the local gastronomy; dishes such as homemade Sobrasada, the traditional Tumbet or a sweet Ensaimada are the perfect reward to recharge your batteries and live the Mallorcan experience in all its essence.
Remember that if you do the tour with a company like Natour Travel, you don’t have to worry about the logistics: they organise the transfers, they put you up in selected places and they offer you assistance in case of emergency.
A shelter for the soul
The Sierra de Tramuntana and the GR221 is not only geography, it is also soul and culture. It was here that Archduke Ludwig Salvator of Austria found inspiration in the mid-19th century, and since then artists, poets and dreamers from all over the world have followed in his footsteps. The unique light of the Sierra de Tramuntana, its contrasts and its silence, make it a true spiritual refuge.
UNESCO‘s recognition as a World Heritage Site in 2011 was no coincidence. This mountain range is the result of the respectful work of generations of Mallorcans who moulded the abrupt in harmony. What we see today is the result of centuries of history carved stone by stone, without mortar, with patience and ancestral wisdom.
Throughout the Middle Ages, the Sierra de Tramuntana was a refuge for farming communities that developed unique techniques of terraced cultivation and irrigation systems, adapting to a difficult but generous terrain. It was also the scene of important historical events, from resistance to invasions to the consolidation of trade routes connecting the interior of the island with the coast. This historical richness is combined with oral and cultural traditions that are kept alive in its villages, making the Sierra de Tramuntana a space where past and present are in constant dialogue.
What is the GR221?
The GR221 is a long-distance hiking route that crosses the Sierra de Tramuntana mountain range on the island of Mallorca. It is also known as the ‘Ruta de la Pedra en Sec’ because of the traditional dry stone walls that abound along the way.
How many kilometres is the Sierra de Tramuntana trail?
The complete route, including variants, is about 150 to 170 km long. The main signposted route is about 120 km from Port d’Andratx to Pollença, although some sections are not yet fully enabled or signposted.
How many days does the Sierra de Tramuntana trail take?
The estimated time to complete the entire route varies between 7 and 10 days, depending on the pace, stops and variants taken..
Is the entire Sierra de Tramuntana trail well signposted?
For the most part, yes, but some sections are not fully signposted or are on private property, so it is advisable to carry up-to-date maps, GPS or hiking apps such as Wikiloc, Komoot or AllTrails.
What is the best time to hike Sierra de Tramuntana?
The best time of year is spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). In summer it can be too hot, and in winter, some mountain sections may be closed due to the risk of snow or bad weather.
Do I need a permit to hike Sierra de Tramuntana?
Not for most of the sections, but you do need to book in advance to sleep in some shelters along the Sierra de Tramuntana trail run by the Consell de Mallorca, and there are certain sections that cross private estates with restricted or closed access.
Where can I sleep during the Sierra de Tramuntana trail?
There are several options:
- Consell de Mallorca public refuges (such as Tossals Verds, Muleta, Son Amer…).
- Private refuges, hostels and rural houses in intermediate villages.
- Free camping is not allowed in Mallorca, although some refuges allow camping on their grounds with prior permission.
Is there public transport to start and end points of each stage?
Yes, many villages on the Sierra de Tramuntna route (such as Deià, Sóller, Valldemossa, Lluc, etc.) are connected by bus or train. Port d’Andratx and Pollença are also connected by bus, although the timetables are more limited outside the high season.
Can it be done in stages or only in its entirety?
It can be done in stages perfectly well. Many people choose to walk for one or two days and return, or do the whole walk in several phases during the year.
What is the level of difficulty of the Sierra de Tramuntana?
In general, it is of moderate difficulty, although some sections can be demanding due to unevenness or technical terrain (rocks, stones, areas without shade). It is recommended to be in good physical condition and to have previous experience in mountain hiking.
Is it necessary to bring food and water?
It depends on the stretch. Some villages offer supermarkets, bars and fountains, but other stretches are more isolated. It is always recommended to bring enough water (at least 2L per person) and some energy food.
Can the Sierra de Tramuntana be done with children or dogs?
- Children: yes, in short sections and adapted to their level.
- Dogs: also, but with caution. There are areas with livestock, intense heat and rocky paths. Extra water for them is essential.
What equipment is advisable to bring?
- Mountain shoes with good grip.
- Lightweight rucksack.
- Walking poles (optional but useful).
- Map/GPS/hiking app.
- Layered hiking clothing.
- Sun protection and hat.
- Headlamp or torch.
- Basic first aid kit.
Are there any dangers or risks on the Sierra de Tramuntana?
In general it is a safe route, but:
- Beware of dehydration on hot days.
- Some sections have slopes or slippery areas.
- In winter there may be ice or fog in the higher areas.
- Difficult orientation in poorly signposted areas.
Where can I book the Sierra de Tramuntana shelters?
The public refuges are managed by the Consell de Mallorca and can be booked online on their official website: